Feast of Apostolic Continuity and Pastoral Charity – Exaudi

The feast of the two great apostles and martyrs, pillars of the Church, is a day of celebration for the Church today, which expresses gratitude for apostolic continuity. This feast day invites us to reflect on the importance of apostolic succession and how much the faithful value this promise of Christ, who founded it on solid rock. On this day, the Pope is especially remembered, who courageously seeks to guide and care for his faithful.

The passage in the Bible where Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him helps us understand the responsibility of a shepherd towards the sheep entrusted to him. Deep and sincere love for the faithful is essential to the exercise of this pastoral role. However, sometimes we experience fluctuations in this love, when indifference obscures compassion and boredom, impatience and even bad mood or irritability take over. Therefore, it is a daily duty to strive to keep this flame of original love alive.

Love conquers all

The readings of the previous evening, especially those with Peter and Paul, provide clear examples of the shepherds’ love that Jesus wanted to confirm with his questions. When Peter faces a sick man outside the Temple, he shows his concern and interest for the others. He takes the opportunity to exercise the healing power that has been given to him, feels compassion for him, stretches out his hand and heals him. This power, which the shepherds also possess in full, will only allow them to exercise it if they love the sheep entrusted to them.

The task of going out and evangelizing is another fundamental aspect of the Church, both in the past, when Paul developed it, and in our own time. To bring the message of love and faith to others requires a deep love for God and for people. If you do not love the faithful and the brothers in general, how can you bring them the good news? Thanks to this love that you feel for others, the desire to share the greatest gift received is born: faith in Jesus Christ.

The Church must be an image of Christ and keep alive the flame of love for God and for others. Today more than ever, she must be a light for others, a field hospital that welcomes and offers a hand to those who need it most, without exception, whether they come to her wounded or confused. In this way, those who approach her can find living water to quench their thirst.

The examples of Peter and Paul are inspiring in this regard. You can learn from them by reading their writings in the New Testament and by knowing their history and the organization of the Church. His love and devotion to his people are an encouragement to all and especially to those who have followed in his footsteps as shepherds of the people of God.

“You are Pedro”

It is important to remember that supporting and defending the Pope is done with someone who embodies the figure of Saint Peter himself. Even if there may be disagreements or different perspectives, there is no reason to fixate on the usual opponent, and certainly not to create distrust and disorientation in others. The Church of this time – and always – must preserve the strength of its uniqueness, because it is part of its unmistakable seal.

On this day when we celebrate the validity of the Church in the world, it is appropriate to pay tribute to the Holy Father who has the responsibility of leading the Church, sometimes against the current, avoiding those who, like him, want to pontificate.

May this prayer reach heaven so that the Successor of Peter may have the wisdom and courage to build bridges and make friends with a part of humanity that lives apart from Catholicism because of the scandals it has experienced.

Not only that, she is also heartbroken by the bad treatment she sometimes experiences and angry because the Church is given space and advantages in society without it being clear why…

This prayer will be the strength Pope Francis needs today to fulfill his mission of leading a Church that illuminates the world, in an effort to be coherent, purposeful and courageous. Make a mess! Don’t go out on the balcony! Long live the Pope!